The Stinger Bib, with a price tag of $499 is not for everyone, although I don't know of anyone who wouldn't want to own a pair. Arc Teryx has a stellar reputation for building top notch mountain apparel that will hold up to the test of time and extreme conditions. As buyers at Granite Chief every time we sit down to review the line, we too feel a twinge of sticker shock. Then the factory rep starts going over features and benefits, pointing out the clean and durable details built into each and every piece. Once again I walk away a believer in the company's mission to construct the best ski and backcountry apparel available.

Turning a garment inside out is the best way to inspect construction quality. When you inspect an Arc Teryx jacket or pant this way you'll see that they are built to perfection, as if your life depended on it. Now skiing in bounds may not be terribly life threatening, but if you're a skiing junkie and ski every possible day no matter how brutal the conditions, it is a luxury to own a couple of pieces of Arc Teryx outerwear. If you are a backcountry guy Arc Teryx is the obvious choice.

One of my favorite pieces is the Stinger Bib. This hard working winter bib is made of Gore-Tex Pro 3 Layer. All seams are sealed, all waterproof zippers are the best made and the scuff guards are 100d Cordura, (slice and dice proof). One of the features I like best in this pant are the double side zippers for venting heat and letting off a little steam. In addition to the large thigh pockets there are two small stash pockets on the front of the bib. To make the Stinger Bib super comfortable the waist is build with elastic at the sides, also allowing great freedom of movement.

This year the pant's bib is a bit taller and the pockets on the thigh are higher volume than in years past, at the same time they are designed to lie flat when empty. The stinger Bib is a trim fit built with e3D, (ergonomic 3-dimensional patterning). This type of patterning brings an additional level of articulation to provide a superior range of motion. This is achieved by adding extra gusseting and articulation to areas like the waist, crotch, knees, elbows and shoulders, depending on the garment and the intended use. e3D construction gives the Stinger Bib a clean streamline look with maximum movement.

The Arc Teryx Stinger Bib in size medium weighs in at 22.9 ounces and comes in lengths; short, regular, and tall.

Size Medium     Short . 28 1/2"    Regular . 30 1/2"   Tall . 33 1/2"

Size Large         Short . 28 1/8"    Regular . 31 1/8"   Tall . 34 1/8"

Size X Large      Short . 29 3/4"    Regular . 31 3/4"   Tall . 34 3/4"

Arc Teryx is a unique manufacturer of ski and mountain apparel. It is about innovation, weight, freedom of movement, durability, performance, and clean mountain styling.